Ottawa, Ontario
Contemplate On Those Who Gave
Jagajivan and I hit the trail at a silent hour. Perhaps a contemplative tranquility pervaded, because on a double level, on this Remembrance Day morning, we were reflecting on sacrifices made by men and women in times of war, and today also marked, by our lunar calendar, the passing of our guru, Prabhupada. We are indebted.
I read my poem on the images of Prabhupada to two groups of audiences.
Images of You
There are many moods projected about you
Reflected in pics, so many, not few.
They are diverse colours of a true saint
That are captured by camera or brush with paint.
Moods of gravity, solidity and weight,
The serious look that defines the great.
Moods of lightness, moments of humour,
Of laughter, jokes and human candour.
My favourite photos are of your smile.
They inspire and push for the extra mile.
They lure and lock-in an eager soul
Who’s on a search for the ultimate goal.
You say, “The face is the index of the mind.”
The exterior can determine the kind.
Dare I judge the face, Your Divine Grace?
Yet I presume purity rests at that place.
You profile as a master, scholar, or king,
A general, a warrior, the spirit of Narasingh.
Paradoxically, you’ve shown your ability
To portray a servant in all humility.
There are images of you, in reverent prayer.
Those are the stills not really so rare—
Images of concern for us as we go
On a hobble or a crawl and move so slow.
I like the pics when you enjoyed the play.
It was in New York at the end of one day.
Krishna eloped with the grand princess,
Rukmini, being the damsel in distress.
It was drama that brought you some delight
As actor princes put up a good fight.
Your viewing the play is precious indeed,
An impression that waters the bhaktiseed.
There are action shots of your teaching and talking.
Action shots of reading and walking.
They are signatures, brands, trademarks—
Images that pull us out of the dark.
Grateful are we for those generous poses
That strike the heart like petals of roses.
One frozen moment of your deep contemplation
Leaves us with a piece for worthy conversation.
May the Source be with you!
5 km
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